.. or he was hoping that Hitler will be busily engage himself in Europe?
2007-12-02 03:11:23 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Neither one had any intention of honoring the agreement for anything close to 10 years. Each was just biding his time, strengthening forces, and preparing to strike at the earliest available opportunity. Hitler just struck first, that's all.
2007-12-02 03:34:09 · answer #1 · answered by texasjewboy12 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, he did not really think Hitler would honor the agreement right to the end. However, he probably felt that Germany would honor the agreement long enough for Russia to fully equip and mobilize it's own army. Then Russia would have invaded Germany instead.
Hypothetically, If Germany had waited for Russia to make the first move, they could have been allies with England and France instead of enemies. What a different world that would have been.
2007-12-02 14:59:52 · answer #2 · answered by rohak1212 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, he was hoping that Germany would get bogged down fighting France and England, and then he could attack Germany when the opportunity arose. When France fell, it was quite a shock to Stalin and the Red Army, and they started a massive buildup with the goal of getting the Red Army ready to fight alone if they needed to.
2007-12-04 23:56:52 · answer #3 · answered by Captain Hammer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes he did. Stalin was very surprised when Hitler invaded Russia, and stayed in his office, depressed, refusing to meet with his military officers and advisors until the Germans neared Moscow. Stalin was an egotist, and could not imagine someone crossing him.
2007-12-02 11:17:46 · answer #4 · answered by La Belle Dame Sans Merci 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋